Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two of America’s most iconic natural landmarks. While Crater Lake boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs, the Grand Canyon is a 277-mile chasm that reveals millions of years of geological history. From peaceful moments of solitude to heart-pumping adventures, these parks offer a range of experiences that will leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply looking for a breathtaking escape, these two parks are a must-visit destination. So, get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Crater Lake and the Grand Canyon – two of the most stunning places on earth!
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Crater Lake and Grand Canyon National Parks offer diverse hiking experiences. At Crater Lake, the easiest trail is Rim Trail, a 2.2-mile trek with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area. On the other hand, Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail is considered one of the hardest, a 7-mile descent over 4,000 ft into the canyon. Grand Canyon also features the strenuous Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile descent over 4,400 ft. Both parks cater to various hiking abilities, but Grand Canyon has more challenging options, whereas Crater Lake is better for those seeking an easier hike with scenic views.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Crater Lake National Park & Grand Canyon National Park offer unique wildlife experiences. Crater Lake is known for its American black bear, Gray jay, Mule deer, Osprey, Common Raven, Douglas Fir, Whitebark Pine, and Ponderosa Pine. Grand Canyon’s wildlife includes Desert Bighorn Sheep, Cougar, Kaibab Squirrel, California Condor, Peregrine Falcon, American Southwest Bald Eagle, Prickly Pear Cactus, Joshua Tree, and Pinyon Pine.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mule Deer |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolf | Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | California Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | North American River Otter |
| American Badger | Fringed Myotis |
| Ermine | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Silver Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Kokanee Salmon | Bluegill |
| Cutthroat Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Western Skink | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Canyon Treefrog | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Red Admiral | Common Sulphur |
| Honey Bee | Variegated Fritillary |
| Purplish Copper | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Crater Lake features a deep blue lake surrounded by cliffs, forests, and scenic drives. Popular sites include Rim Drive, Phantom Ship island, and Wizard Island cinder cone.
Grand Canyon boasts colorful cliffs, valleys, and the Colorado River. Activities include scenic drives, hiking to viewpoints, and river trips. Notable sites include Mather Point, Desert View Watchtower, and the quieter North Rim.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Crater Lake NP & Grand Canyon NP are both popular tourist destinations. Crater Lake is known for scenic drives, boat tours, short hikes, sunset viewing, ranger-led programs like guided walks, campfire talks, & stargazing. Grand Canyon offers scenic drives, river rafting, helicopter/mule rides, ranger-led programs & a wide range of trails. Both parks offer accommodations including campgrounds, lodges, hotels for extended stays.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon has cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. Winters are snowy Oct-Jun, avg temp mid 20s F. Summers are milder, avg temp 60s-70s F, park is less crowded. Grand Canyon NP in Arizona has hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temp can exceed 100°F, winter avg 40s-50s F. Park is busiest in summer but milder winter makes it a popular time for visitors seeking to avoid heat and crowds.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Crater Lake National Park offers a peaceful atmosphere and easier hikes, making it ideal for families seeking a relaxing nature experience. Grand Canyon NP, on the other hand, is more adventurous with its strenuous activities and longer hikes, but also offers educational programs, ranger-led walks and scenic viewpoints for families. The choice between the two depends on family interests and energy levels.